2018 Lincoln MKX: Preview, Pricing, Release Date

Model Preview

For 2016, the Lincoln MKX received a full redesign, giving it a smoother, more luxurious look. After a few technical updates for 2017, including the addition of adaptive steering in the Driver Assistance package, we expect nothing new for the 2018 model year.

As a carryover, we expect no visual changes to the MKX. Given its recent redesign, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. The lack of changes will spread to the interior, which we expect to continue to feature premium equipment like leatherette seating, keyless ignition, dual-zone auto climate control, heated front seats, power-folding rear seatbacks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a driver-configurable instrument panel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker audio system.

We expect the other standard features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, and xenon HID headlights, to carry on unchanged too.

We expect the powertrain to also remain the same when the 2018 MKX debuts, meaning its standard 3.7-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque should carry on without change. Those looking for more oomph can opt for the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6, which will produce 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines will continue to pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety is no problem for the current MKX, as it received the IIHS’ second-highest rating of Top Safety Pick. It only missed the Top Safety Pick Plus rating because of its “Marginal” rating in the new headlight test. While the current model is very safe, there is one caveat: the Top Safety Pick rating requires automatic emergency braking, which is a part of the $2,250 Driver Assistance Package that is only available on the second-from-the-top Reserve trim level. These safety ratings should remain the same in 2018.

Pricing & Release Date

We expect the 2018 Lincoln MKX to arrive in the fall of 2017.

Official pricing will start from $39,960 and top out at $57,650 (destination fees included).